Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $28.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rochester, MN runs $28.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,286 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be a competitive $28.27 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust hourly rate suggests favorable working conditions for both part-time and per-diem professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and pharmaceutical research facilities. With an hourly pay range from $21.05 at the entry level to $37.65 for top earners, there are ample opportunities for career advancement. The data reflects the growing demand for skilled veterinary technicians, which has been spurred by an ongoing workforce shortage in the veterinary field, offering financial stability and upside potential for those entering the profession.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.05 | $168.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Median (P50) | $28.27 | $226.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.35 | $234.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.65 | $301.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $28.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $58,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,929. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.96 | $4,901 | $58,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.58 | $2,940 | $35,286 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.38 | $1,960 | $23,524 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rochester) | $28.27 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Rochester, MN earn a median of $58,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 15.00% above the Minnesota state average of $51,145.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.27/hr = $35,286/year (purchasing power: $38,852).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,810/year (purchasing power: $64,754).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+74.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester grew 56.9% from $17.08/hr (2019) to $26.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Rochester
Transitioning to a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week, can impact annual earnings significantly. Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester may take home around $43,999, compared to the full-time salary potential reflected in the median hourly rates. For those considering per-diem work, the pay can vary widely; general rates often hover between $25 and $40 per hour, while certified veterinary technicians in specialty roles can command $35 to $55 per hour. Employers like corporate chain hospitals, specialty referral hospitals, and teaching institutions may offer different hourly compensation levels, with trade-offs between higher hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance. In an industry where continuous training and specialization can lead to substantial compensation, negotiation is key, ensuring that professionals can advocate for their worth amid the competitive landscape in Rochester's veterinary sector.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rochester?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rochester?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov